TankBud

Zebra dwarf sucker

Otocinclus cocama

Also known as zebra oto

FreshwaterFish

Zebra dwarf sucker (Otocinclus cocama)
Imperial Tropicals · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
70–77°F
21–25°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
1.8 in
4.5 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Herbivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Family
Loricariidae
Origin
Peru

Overview

The zebra dwarf sucker is a small algae grazer for a mature community tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The zebra dwarf sucker's bold zebra striping made it a sought-after oto. For years, confusion with look-alikes clouded shipments, so a true Otocinclus cocama can fetch a premium over the common olive-colored species.

Caring for the zebra dwarf sucker

Keep zebra dwarf suckers in a group of six or more so they feel secure. Give them a mature, well-oxygenated tank of at least 11 gal (40 L). The tank's surfaces should grow a film of algae, their main food, since a bare new tank will starve them.

Keep the water soft and neutral to slightly acidic, at 70 to 77°F (21 to 25°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They spend the day rasping algae off glass, wood and leaves, along with biofilm. Tank algae runs out fast, so add algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.

Zebra dwarf suckers are peaceful and shy. They are too small and gentle for boisterous tank mates, so pair them with calm community fish. Breeding in aquariums is rarely recorded.

Good to know

The zebra dwarf sucker, also called the zebra oto, is a small suckermouth catfish in the family Loricariidae. Its black-and-white pattern sets it apart from plainer otos. It uses that mouth to hold onto surfaces. Most fish in the trade are wild caught.

In the wild

The zebra dwarf sucker comes from clear, flowing streams in the Peruvian Amazon. There it clings to wood, rock and plant leaves, grazing algae.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The zebra dwarf sucker is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a zebra dwarf sucker need?

A zebra dwarf sucker needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a zebra dwarf sucker need?

A zebra dwarf sucker is comfortable at 70–77°F (21–25°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a zebra dwarf sucker eat?

A zebra dwarf sucker rasps algae and biofilm off the surfaces of its tank. Tank algae runs out fast, so it also needs algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.

How big does a zebra dwarf sucker get?

An adult zebra dwarf sucker reaches about 1.8 in (4.5 cm).

Does a zebra dwarf sucker need a group?

Yes. A zebra dwarf sucker is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

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